Young runners often face nail issues like inconsistent thickness or ingrown toenails due to repetitive pressure and friction from training. Running, especially over long distances, places stress on the toes as they repeatedly hit the front of the shoe. This pressure can cause nails to thicken unevenly, making them brittle or prone to splitting. Ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often result from wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes or improper trimming techniques. These conditions can lead to pain, swelling, or infection, impacting performance and comfort. Maintaining consistent nail care, such as trimming straight across and ensuring proper shoe fit, helps prevent these problems. If you are a young runner experiencing persistent toenail pain or ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for individualized treatment.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout in children is rare but can still occur, usually due to genetic factors or underlying medical conditions, such as metabolic disorders. While it is more commonly seen in adults, particularly older men, certain children may develop gout due to high uric acid levels in their blood. These elevated levels can lead to the formation of urate crystals in the joints, causing painful inflammation. Common symptoms of gout in children include severe joint pain, swelling, and redness, often affecting the big toe or other joints. In some cases, conditions such as obesity, kidney disease, or a family history of gout may increase the risk. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing gout in children, often involving medications to reduce uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups. If your child has symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can guide you on effective management techniques.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetes can significantly affect foot health by damaging nerves and blood vessels, which increases the risk of infections and ulcers. Nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, or pain, reducing the ability to sense injuries or temperature changes. Blood vessel damage can impair healing, leaving minor injuries like cuts or blisters susceptible to infection. Daily foot checks for diabetics are essential to identify blisters, cuts, or signs of redness that may indicate the onset of complications. Proper foot care includes washing feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, and applying moisturizer to prevent dry skin. Wearing properly fitted shoes and avoiding walking barefoot, even indoors, reduces the risk of injury. A podiatrist can assess your feet for signs of neuropathy or poor circulation, provide treatment for wounds, and recommend protective footwear to prevent future issues. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
